Episode-3

Mr. Henry led the family down a sandy path lined with tropical flowers toward their private suite. The air was filled with the scent of salty sea breeze and blooming frangipani.

Wakumi glanced around, her brows furrowed with curiosity. "It all looks the same... how do you remember which one's for which guests?"

Mr. Henry laughed softly. "Look at the symbols on each door-each suite has a unique sign. It's how we keep track."

Sahumi's eyes widened in admiration. "Wowww! I can't imagine remembering all those symbols. You guys are geniuses!"

Mr. Henry grinned modestly, stopping in front of their assigned luxury hut. "This, my friends, is your home for the vacation. Completely crafted from natural wood and decorated with local island touches."

Mrs. Moric (Saki) gave a small, amused smile. "That's nothing unusual for us Japanese."

Mr. Moric (Harutoshi) chuckled, nudging her playfully. "Right, honey~"

Mr. Henry laughed along with them before opening the door. Inside, the girls immediately darted around, excitedly exploring the open-plan suite.

The living area was bathed in golden light from the floor-to-ceiling window, with a view of the ocean beyond. The furnishings were rustic yet elegant-woven mats, driftwood sculptures, and soft cushions adorned with seashell embroidery. Two bedrooms branched off, each with an en-suite bathroom and a view of the endless sea.

"So, girls-what should we start with?" Mr. Moric asked, stretching.

"The beach!" both girls chorused in unison.

"First, get ready-sunblock, hats, sunglasses!" Mrs. Moric (Saki) warned, wagging a playful finger.

Mr. Henry chuckled. "I'll meet you at the beach entrance then. Have fun, lovely family!"

He left, giving the family time to settle in and prepare. In the girls' room, Wakumi and Sahumi slipped into cute, modest two-piece swimsuits that balanced style and comfort.

Meanwhile, in the parents' room, the peaceful silence was broken by soft laughter as Harutoshi embraced Saki from behind.

"Hey! The kids could walk in any moment," Saki protested, though her voice betrayed her amusement.

"Let them," Harutoshi murmured into her neck, teasing her. "They should know why their dad chose a private beach for this vacation..."

Saki blushed, lightly swatting his arm. "So their father could be cheesy, huh?"

Harutoshi tightened his embrace, turning her to face him. "I call it making up for lost time with my wife."

Her smile softened, and she placed her palm over his heart. "I know you're doing this for all of us. I'm not mad, my love."

"You make me the luckiest man alive, you know that?" he whispered, before capturing her lips in a tender kiss-a silent promise of his love and gratitude.

Their moment was interrupted when the door burst open.

"Mom! Dad! We're rea-" Sahumi stopped mid-sentence, her cheeks flushing scarlet.

Wakumi, ever the mischief-maker, grinned and snapped a quick photo.

"Please, continue! We'll wait in the living room," Sahumi teased, dragging Wakumi out and closing the door behind them.

Mrs. Moric whined softly in embarrassment, hiding her face against her husband's chest as Harutoshi laughed heartily. "Learn to knock, you brats!" he called after them.

The girls' laughter echoed from the living room, filling the suite with playful energy.

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🌴 Later, at the private beach... 🌴

Mr. Henry stood at the entrance, waiting with a relaxed smile as the family approached. The beach was practically theirs alone, the soft white sand stretching endlessly, framed by swaying palms and gentle waves.

Sahumi and Wakumi squealed with delight as they splashed near the shore, the crystal-clear water sparkling under the sun. They couldn't swim, but the shallow waves and floating tubes kept them safely entertained. Their laughter mixed with the sound of the surf as they snapped pictures with Sahumi's waterproof camera, capturing every moment.

After hours of beachside fun, Harutoshi called out, "Come on out, girls! We're heading to the buffet. Your mother and I are starving!"

"Me too! I'm coming!" Sahumi shouted, clambering out of the water.

"Wait for me!" Wakumi echoed, trailing behind her sister.

As they reached the edge of the beach, Mr. Henry chuckled, "Lunch time is over, but don't worry. The buffet of local fruits and delicacies will be opening soon."

"Thank goodness!" Mrs. Moric sighed in relief. "Girls, go change. Your dad and I will reserve us a seat with a view of the sunset."

"Okay, Mom!" Sahumi and Wakumi chorused, racing back to their suite.

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🌅 At the suite entrance... 🌅

Wakumi waited by the pathway as Sahumi suddenly gasped. "Oh no! I forgot my camera!"

Wakumi groaned dramatically. "Seriously?! I'm not going back. You go! I'll wait here."

"Give me five minutes!" Sahumi laughed nervously, taking the key and dashing back.

Reaching their suite, she noticed the door was already slightly ajar. Confused, she frowned.

"Did Wakumi forget to lock it...?" she muttered, feeling a twinge of unease.

Pushing the door open, she stepped inside cautiously. The room was quiet-too quiet. Then, she froze.

Standing by the window, silhouetted by the fading light of sunset, was a tall, unfamiliar figure.

Her breath caught in her throat. "W-who are you...?"